What We Know
Earlier this week, Bremont announced the next generation of the Supermarine S302, with new colorways and a new format for the GMT function. Still operating as the travel version of the brand’s somewhat smaller take on its longstanding Supermarine line, the 2023 S302 is being offered in a trio of versions, including a very grey limited edition model.
I have, own, and very much enjoy a Gen 1 S302 and the proportions and construction are largely unchanged in the move to this new generation. The three-piece case is still 40mm wide, 13mm thick, and 49mm lug to lug.
What has changed is the way in which the new S302 manages multiple time zones. With the original model, the format was that of a dive-GMT, where the GMT functionality was added to the base of the S300 dive watch. That means we got an elapsed time bezel and a 24-hour scale on the rehaut. For the gen 2 S302, that is reversed, as all three iterations have unidirectional 24-hour bezels and a 60-minute scale on the rehaut.
While this might seem like a small distinction, I see it as a substantial move given that the Supermarine is a dive watch lineup, and while the new S302 still has 300 meters of water resistance and a screw-down crown, it is no longer a watch that is specifically concerned with diving. Instead, the inclusion of the 24-hour bezel ensures that the new S302 can track up to three timezones (those being local, UTC, and a third timezone on the bezel via an offset from UTC time).
As established by the original – and currently still available – S302, the new generation uses a Bremont-modified take on the ETA 2893, a 4Hz automatic movement with a caller GMT functionality (aka. an independently adjustable 24-hour hand). This means that you can independently adjust the 24-hour hand to show any desired time zone, or, as I suggested above, leave the GMT hand on UCT time and just turn the bezel to track any additional time zone.
The three versions include a blue dial spec with a blue/green bezel, an S302 Jet with a DLC black case and matte black dial, and the grey-on-grey S302 Supermarine Ocean, which is presented as a limited edition of 400 pieces made in collaboration with the marine biologist and freediver, Ocean Ramsey. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the limited edition will be donated in support of the “Save The Turtles International” charity.
The blue/green and Ocean LE models can be had on either a rubber strap, a leather strap, or a steel bracelet, while the S302 Jet is offered with either of the strap options. Pricing starts at $3,750 for the blue/green, $4,250 for the Jet, and $4,000 to $4,450 for the Ocean LE.
What We Think
As a continued fan of the original S302, I love the new colors (especially the full grey of the Ocean LE and the way the orange GMT hand looks on the Jet). But, at the same time, I have and will continue to have a specific fondness for the dive-GMT layout. I am a diver, and I like to take my watches diving and one of my favorite elements of the original S302 was its dive-GMT format.
That said, way more people travel than dive, and I think this new generation makes sense as a more widely applicable commercial product. And yes, I know I am somewhat splitting hairs, as this new model could certainly be used during a dive as an easy backup for a computer. But you saw the byline on the story – splitting hairs and picking nits for travel watches is kinda my bread and butter.
Putting the warring factions of dive-GMT and GMT-diver aside, if you want to dig into the sizing and details of the S302, I recommend checking out my original story. I liked it enough to buy one. The 40mm sizing is excellent, the bezel is lovely, and I still believe the S302 to be the brand’s most well-rounded watch.
In a trio of new colors, including the first Jet for the series and a very handsome limited edition, this evolution of the S302 leans into the travel aspect in a way that works well for the brand and makes sense for a line extension.
While I might not be first in line to trade my Gen 1 S302 for the new model, if you travel more than you dive (which, come to think of it, I do), this looks like a great option that brings some welcome variety and new functionality to the S302 range.
The Basics
Brand: Bremont
Model: Supermarine S302 and S302 Jet
Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 13mm
Case Material: Steel, with aluminum middle barrel
Dial Color: black, blue, or grey
Indexes: Painted
Lume: Super-Luminova
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Strap/Bracelet: Option of bracelet, leather strap, or rubber strap
The Movement
Caliber: Bremont BE-932AV (base ETA 2893-2)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone (caller format)
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 VPH
Jewels: 25
Chronometer Certified: Yes, to ISO 3159
Additional Details: Anachron balance spring and Glucydur balance wheel
Pricing & Availability
Price: Blue/Green – $3,750 on a strap, $4,200 on a bracelet | Jet – $4,250 on a strap | Ocean Limited Edition – $4,000 on a strap or $4,450 on a bracelet.
Availability: Now from Bremont retailers, including the Hodinkee Shop.
Limited Edition: Yes, the grey dial “Ocean” model is limited to 400 pieces
Shop this story
The Hodinkee Shop is an authorized retailer of Bremont. To view our collection, click here.